Archive for July, 2007
Join Lomak makes input easier
While the computer has made great leaps and bounds when it comes to ease of us, there are still certain segments of the population that find it difficult to use, especially the disabled. The Lomak (Light Operated Mouse and Keyboard) takes on an ingenious design for a computer input device, featuring a pointer that can be controlled via hand or mounted on one’s head. The light will point at a special input device that lets the user type a letter by moving one’s head slightly. I must say, don’t interrupt anyone using this. I know I would be pissed if I’m busy typing out a letter and turn my head to respond to a call, only to return to my document that now has an array of random letters strewn all over.
Source: Sci Fi Blog
Light switch is all warm and fuzzy
The Essential Wall Dimmer turns the light dimming into a sensory experience, thanks to its tufted textile sensor. All you need to do is tap this tiny piece of carpet-like material in order to turn the lights on, off, or dim. Made from conductive yarns, neoprene, and acrylic, the material has been dubbed Plush Touch Sensing Technology. You can pick up the Essential Wall Dimmer for $99 and choose from 14 different colors to suit your surroundings. I must say the price tag is pretty steep for what is basically a light switch, but people have paid far more for less in the past.
Source: Gizmodo
WiFi Gamer router set to hit stores
Not all gamers are a knowledgeable lot, especially when it comes to technical stuff. This is evident with the bunch of “non-gamers” picking up Nintendo’s Wii. What happens if those said gamers want to play online over a WiFi network? Setting up a router will definitely be alien to this group, but Buffalo has unveiled the WiFi Gamer Router that targets console players who want simplified Internet access. It utilizes the company’s own AOSS (AirStation One-Touch Secure System) feature establishes a secure WEP wireless link with most modern consoles automatically at the touch of a single top-mounted button. It is compatible with the PS3, PSP, DS, and soon, the Wii. You can pick one up from store shelves when it is released this August for $50.
Source: 1Up
USB Ashtray clears room of smoke
It is interesting to note that while smoking was considered ‘cool’ many years ago, it seems as though the tide has turned now where healthy living is the ‘in’ thing. The USB Ashtray comes to the rescue of those who have not yet kicked the habit, drawing smoke into the center inlet by a powerful motor and filtering this smoke to dispense clean air instead. This helps keep your office smelling great without the musty, lingering scent that cigarettes always leave behind. The USB Ashtray can be powered via USB or a quartet of AA batteries, depending on where you are at the moment. It can be purchased for $16.50 today.
Arena Radio spruces up desktop
No idea if anyone still listens to good old FM radio these days at work, but if you still haven’t made the jump to Internet radio at work and home, there is always the Arena Radio that will look great when placed on any desk. It comes with a built-in blue LED that glows whenever the radio is turned on, albeit only for half a minute. If you want a permanent blue glow to grace your table, hook up the Arena Radio to an AC adapter and you’re good to go. Interested parties will be able to pick this up for £22.95 a pop. If you ask me, this looks more like a paperweight than anything else.
Body Energizer Vibrating Exercise Machine
The personal Battle of the Bulge seems to have no end in sight, and we have seen plenty of machines in the past that aim to reduce the flab around your waist but to no avail. The Body Energizer Vibrating Exercise Machine hopes to change that, producing high-frequency vibration impulses that help improve both muscle strength/tone and bone density while speeding up weight loss. Apparently, Olympic-bound athletes use it, but whether it works for their bodies or even more so for their wallets, I’m not too sure. It is said that using this for just four minutes a session for up to 5 times a week and you’ll see a noticeable difference in a month. At $229.95 each, call me a skeptic. Has anyone else tried this out with favorable results?
Air Squared faux leather seat
Leather is synonymous with luxury and comfort when it comes to chairs and sofas, but what happens when you can’t afford the real thing? Why, settle for less, of course. The Air Squared Inflatable Faux Leather Seat is a cross between a beanbag and a stool, taking up to 4 minutes of manual blowing before it rises to the occasion. When inflated, it looks like a cubed stool, but once you let all the air within out, this turns into an extremely portable piece of furniture (if you may call it so). The Air Squared measures 40cm x 35cm x 35cm when fully inflated and will retail for £14.95 each. Just keep sharp objects away from this and you’ll be fine.
BBC iPlayer stores video clips on computer
Normally, people would associate downloading videos and music from the Internet without paying a single cent from Torrent sites as well as other host providers with piracy, but what happens when a legitimate company allows you to do all that without forking out any dough? The BBC has done exactly that, launching an online video service that enables subscribers to download a wide range of TV programs for free since last week. There are over 400 hours of programs to choose from – that number is roughly the equivalent of 60% to 70% of total TV output. You won’t just get third string media as even hit shows such as Planet Earth will be made available. The service is currently free and can be downloaded here, but unfortunately it is currently limited to those living in Britain only.
Continue reading » BBC iPlayer stores video clips on computer
